Shared experience

Report: Shaunnagh O'Loughlin

Alumnus Charles Lee (BE(Civ) 1982) is one of more than 400 alumni who volunteer on behalf of Monash University across the world. His experience at Monash, in particular the friends he made studying in Australia as an international student, has inspired an ongoing commitment to Monash University Alumni Singapore (MUAS) – an alumni network that supports more than 9400 Singapore-based alumni.

Charles Lee remembers his time studying at Monash with deep affection. As an international student, starting at the University was a great leap into the unknown. It was his first visit to Australia – in fact it was his first time in an aeroplane.

"I remember the excitement of landing in Melbourne for the first time; paper planes during my first lecture; camping in the Grampians; learning to play cricket; my first Australian Football League match cheering for Hawthorn; the best carrot cake in the uni deli; souvlaki in the city... everything," Mr Lee said.

Graduating with an engineering degree from Monash and working in the industry realised a dream Mr Lee had held since he was nine years old. His career has taken him from transportation planning in Malaysia to contract work in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. In 1997 he started his own engineering firm in Singapore – Improtech Pte Ltd – which specialises in soft soils consolidation, particularly land reclamation.

It is this experience and his time at Monash that has motivated him to stay connected to the University. Mr Lee has volunteered with MUAS for 14 years, joining the committee officially in 1997. He was the committee's president from 2007 to 2009. Through his leadership the group moved from a membership-based society to an all-inclusive network to which all alumni in Singapore can belong. He remains actively involved to this day.

"I studied at Monash from 1978 to 1982 and had a wonderful time," Mr Lee said. "The shared experience of being in a new country and studying something I love ... but most of all it was the life-long friends I made. We are still meeting up anywhere and everywhere (including mountain climbing adventures). This motivated me to
want to give back."

MUAS offers a range of activities to alumni – from theme dinners and other social events to professional networking opportunities and regional activities including competitive sports and cycling tours. The committee is also actively involved in promoting the University at Singapore's annual Standard Chartered Marathon. Mr Lee has been instrumental in encouraging Monash alumni to support the event – more than 500 alumni and friends took part in the marathon during the University's 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2008.

"I have always enjoyed meeting like-minded people," Mr Lee said. "Our members are dedicated to working together and creating opportunities for alumni to connect. I also like the camaraderie; meeting new alumni and students and being able to act as an adviser and mentor."

Mr Lee believes that it is vital for alumni, particularly international alumni, to remain connected to fellow graduates through alumni networks and groups.

"It's very important for anyone, young or old, to be involved," he said. "Being part of an alumni group provides a network, a supporting network of people. With my frequent travels, I try and contact alumni in new places. The immediate connection you have with other alumni from just being a Monash graduate is amazing!"

Ways you volunteer

Networks and groups

Through our alumni networks, graduates can explore personal and professional development and maintain relationships with fellow alumni and the University. There are active alumni communities in Asia, and growing networks in South Africa and the UK, run by committed groups of alumni volunteers.

Alumni Mentoring Program

The Alumni Mentoring Program builds on the success of a program run by Monash alumni for more than 10 years. Our mentors act as advisers, using their experience to guide students through discussions about career goals, the availability of networks and support, and workplace dynamics. More than 100 alumni and students are involved in the 2011 program.

Alumni global contacts
Monash has more than 100 alumni global contacts around the world. Global contacts are graduates who volunteer as a point of contact for fellow alumni and the University. Global contacts are an important resource for departing or returning students and for providing advice on University life, and finding work after
graduation. Contacts are also often approached for ideas on event topics, venue/accommodation and speaker suggestions, or help with recruitment and marketing initiatives.

Guest speakers
Monash alumni and supporters are often asked to share their knowledge and experience with the wider University community. Alumni, in particular, volunteer their time to speak at student graduations and at University events including the Alumni Speaker Series and Great Law Week Debate.

Your role: Contact our Alumni Relations team at monashalumni@monash.edu to find out how you can get involved.